Work begins on Snooki's destroyed Jersey Shore boardwalk

A worker cleans debris from the Fun Town Pier that was damaged by Superstorm Sandy, Feb. 19, in Seaside Heights, N.J.

Mark Wilson / Getty Images

Workers install new pilings to replace the boardwalk that was damaged by Superstorm Sandy, Feb. 19, in Seaside Heights, N.J.

Mark Wilson / Getty Images

Workers install new pilings for the boardwalk that was damaged by Superstorm Sandy, Feb. 19, in Seaside Heights, N.J.

Rebuilding the boardwalk made famous by MTV's "Jersey Shore" began in earnest last Friday as heavy equipment including a gigantic drill and a pile-driving machine were brought onto the sand in the south end of Seaside Heights, N.J., the Associated Press reported.

They quickly began drilling holes in the sand and pounding wooden pilings into them, shaking the ground for blocks around.

It marked the beginning of a $3.6 million contract the borough awarded to rebuild the boardwalk. Mayor William Akers said the initial work — restoring the boardwalk so that it can be walked on safely — should be done by May 10. Continue reading.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has estimated that damage in New Jersey caused by Superstorm Sandy could reach $37 billion.